He turns his mind away from those phenomena, and having done so, inclines his mind to the property of deathlessness: 'This is peace, this is exquisite — the resolution of all fabrications; the relinquishment of all acquisitions; the ending of craving; dispassion; cessation; Unbinding.' (Jhana Sutta - Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation)

I know you're crazy busy preparing, but if by a slim chance you have time, could you write an essay on your journey towards ordination? I would love to post it to my Aspiring American Buddhist Monastics Support Group on facebook (link in signature). Doesn't have to be long at all. I think it would be of great inspiration to our members.

Ah, how I long for this day. It may never happen but I can always dream...

Dhammakid wrote:I know you're crazy busy preparing, but if by a slim chance you have time, could you write an essay on your journey towards ordination?

I'll do my best

mettaJack

"For a disciple who has conviction in the Teacher's message & lives to penetrate it, what accords with the Dhamma is this:'The Blessed One is the Teacher, I am a disciple. He is the one who knows, not I." - MN. 70 Kitagiri Sutta

The first step on a journey of ten thousand miles,Seemingly the hardest step.

My recently moved Blog, containing some of my writings on the Buddha Dhamma, as well as a number of translations from classical Buddhist texts and modern authors, liturgy, etc.: Huifeng's Prajnacara Blog.

Best wishes on your journey, Jack! You will be missed, but in the best possible way.

"The serene and peaceful mind is the true epitome of human achievement."-- Ajahn Chah, Living Dhamma

"To reach beyond fear and danger we must sharpen and widen our vision. We have to pierce through the deceptions that lull us into a comfortable complacency, to take a straight look down into the depths of our existence, without turning away uneasily or running after distractions." -- Bhikkhu Bodhi

Jet lag and then culture shock will be your first enemies. All I can say is be aware and keep your head up. Don't expect it to be easy. You'll probably feel a high at first. Don't make any rash decisions for the first two weeks. And then don't get too down when it is not all you hoped for. Good luck to you friend!Alan